It’s Just ADS-B
Aireon’s space-based global air traffic surveillance service is ADS-B on a satellite. Instead of utilizing traditional radio receiver towers on the ground, Aireon has redesigned them into flexible and highly effective space-grade receivers on Iridium’s second-generation satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT. This allows for 100 percent global air traffic surveillance using the same ADS-B signal that aircraft already transmit.
Technical Specifications
Space-based ADS-B provides unparalleled global surveillance coverage to receive and process ADS-B signals broadcast from aircraft equipped with 1090 MHz ADS-B transponders, which operate on the same frequency as traditional Mode A/C/S transponders, including DO-260, DO-260A and DO-260B (Link Versions 0, 1 and 2, respectively), as well as DO-260B/ED-102A, the current standard.
Operations Overview
Aireon is the first and only provider of space-based ATS surveillance for Air Traffic Control separation services. Aireon’s operations have been designed to meet the stringent and rigorous requirements for providing safety-of-life ATS surveillance. Aireon recognizes the safety and mission-critical nature of such a service and has established a 24/7/365 operations center, which monitors the integrity of the Aireon service and provide immediate access for customers.
Iridium Constellation
The backbone of Aireon’s technology resides on the Iridium constellation of satellites. Iridium’s next generation satellite constellation will deliver exciting new innovations and opportunities, while ensuring continued high performance and reliability far into the future.